Honor John W. Martin

Senate Resolution No. 2186 BY: Senator JORDAN COMMENDING John W. Martin posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend John W. Martin posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate, to be presented at the Saratoga County Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony at the County Building in Ballston Spa, New York, on Tuesday, October 15, 2019; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, John William Martin was born to George and Nellie Martin on

February 9, 1927, in Northumberland, New York; after graduating from Schuylerville High School, he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marines during World War II, and then the National Guard Company L 105 Infantry in Saratoga Springs, New York; and WHEREAS, In April of 1950, John W. Martin enlisted in the United States Army with the Medical Company 32nd Infantry Regiment 7th Infantry Division; at the age of 23, he was listed MIA after he was lost while engaged in combat operations against the Chinese Peoples Volunteer Forces in the area of the Chosin Reservoir; and WHEREAS, On December 31, 1953, Private First Class John W. Martin was officially listed as KIA; almost 65 years later, his remains were accompanied home by his great-grandnephew, and they were finally laid to rest with full military honors on December 2, 2018, at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Schuylerville; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II and the Korean War, John W. Martin was awarded the Purple Heart, the Army Good Combat Ribbon, the Combat Medical Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean War Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, John W. Martin demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend John W. Martin posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of John W. Martin.